U.S. Sanctions on Afghanistan Could Be Deadlier Than 20 Years of War
The collective punishment of Afghans is hideously wrong — and the Biden administration can ease it with the stroke of a pen.
The Terrifying World of 2025
Imagine that the current attacks on experts and expertise morph into a full-blown MAGA Cultural Revolution in 2025…
No More War in Europe
An Appeal for Civic Action in Europe and Beyond
Russia and China’s Dirty Partnership
When the world’s largest consumer of fossil fuels teams up with one of the world’s largest suppliers, the planet is the biggest loser.
Bin Laden Grows a Conscience
Osama Bin Laden was concerned with how the brutality of al Qaeda’s affiliates was losing the hearts and minds of Muslims.
Annotate This: EU Response to Argentina’s Nationalization
Despite being immensely popular among the people of Argentina, the Argentinean government’s decision to nationalize the YPF oil company has continued to come under attack by those who obstinately promote extractive capitalism. The measure would nationalize YPF and restore 51 percent of the company’s ownership to Argentina. It would thus end sister company Repsol’s 57.4 percent majority stake in the company.
Missile Defense: Ever the Fly in the Ointment of U.S.-Russia Relations
That NATO missile defense in Europe as protection from Iran, not Russia, is a tough sell.
The Arms Race Was Fed by More Than Just the Need for More and Better Nuclear Weapons
The field of nuclear weapons is fraught with Sophie’s Choices.
Will Israeli Dissent Halt the March Towards War?
Still, the Obama administration has shown little inclination to reduce pressure — and the threat of military action — on Tehran.
Ex-Qahdafi Flunkies Debate Claims He Gave Sarkozy 50 Million Euros
French President Nicholas Sarkozy’s opponents have not attempted to capitalize on this investigation in their campaigning, instead focusing their criticism on Sarkozy’s austerity and immigration policies.
The End of Austerity in Europe?
A few months ago, when Occupy movements bloomed across Europe, the absence of any similar uprising in France appeared to be an anomaly in a country infamous for its people’s propensity to take the streets. One explanation was that the presidential election was just around the corner, and that after 10 years out of government, the Left was capable of channeling the French people’s indignation into electoral gains.
Okinawa: Small Step Forward?
It’s a deal that’s been more than 15 years in the making and the unmaking. The United States and Japan have been struggling since the 1990s to transform the U.S. military presence on the island of Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan. In preparation for this week’s visit of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to Washington, the two sides rolled out the latest attempt to resolve what has grown into a major sticking point in alliance relations.
Iran: Why This Time Is Different
The latest P5+1 talks in Istanbul rejuvenated the diplomatic track between Iran and the West, paving the way for a new chapter in Iranian nuclear negotiations. Yet if the recently concluded talks were a test of intentions, the upcoming negotiations in Baghdad are going to be a real test of wills. Both sides will have to overcome huge obstacles if they want to establish a “sustained process of serious dialogue” to resolve the Iranian nuclear impasse.
Question of Iran Pits Israeli Intelligence Against Meshuggeneh Fringe
The struggle over Iran at top of the Israeli political pyramid only reflects the tension at the grass roots.